My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 242

Sienna

Dad's eyes landed on me, flicking briefly between Alexander and me before drifting to the file in my hands. His lips parted. "You brought it, Princess," he exclaimed. "Evie reminded you, didn't she?"

As soon as I saw my dad, I swallowed the curses threatening to spill. My anger hadn't lessened, but I knew better than to let it loose here. "Yeah, Mom forced me to come instead of coming herself. She's busy with some new book," I muttered, rolling my eyes and handing him the file. "Here. I'll leave now."

I turned to go, but Dad's voice stopped me in my tracks. "Wait, Princess. Have you met Alex?"

God. Dad and his insufferable habit of introducing me to his business partners.

"Well, Mr. Adriano," Alexander said smoothly, "we already know each other. We went to the same school-Riverstone High."

I clenched my fists at my sides, suppressing the urge to lash out. Everything about Alexander Grayson infuriated me his voice, his smug expression, even the way he breathed.

"What? Really?" Dad's eyes widened with surprise. "That's unexpected. Even if you already know him, I'd still like to formally introduce you. This is Alex, my new business partner. We're working on a project together."

He smiled, "Project Sienna."

My head snapped up. What in the damn hell?

Out of all the names in the world, my dad chose to name a project after me. And of all the people he could partner with, he picked Alexander-fucking-Grayson?

"What?" I asked, my voice betraying my disbelief. My eyes darted to Alex, whose lips curved into that infuriating smirk. He was enjoying this. Of course he was.

"We were struggling to come up with a name," Dad explained, walking around his desk to sit down. "So I suggested yours. Simple and elegant!"

"That was... really stupid, Dad," I stammered. "Why would you name it after me?"

"Why? What's wrong with that, Sienna?" Alex interjected, his tone dripping with mock innocence.

My jaw tightened, and I shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel.

"Listen, Sienna," Dad said, chuckling. "Your mom and I chose that name for you, so we have every right to use it. Don't complain."

"But Dad-"

"No buts," he interrupted, already flipping through the file. "By the way, have you sent in your paintings yet? Don't tell me you're late again. You sent the last exhibit late, too."

"I'll send them soon. Don't worry."

"Good. By the way, Alex, I don't know if you know this, but Sienna's a painter. Her work has been featured in galleries worldwide. Some of her pieces have sold for over a million at auctions. Her art is absolutely_"

"Amazing," Alex finished, cutting him off effortlessly. His gaze, however, never left mine.

surprised. "You've

casual, though his eyes held something deeper. "I've always been drawn

Solace... Maiden's Heart... Angel Without Wings..." His voice dropped a notch as he added,

smaller, the air heavier, as he finished. "And

his voice brimming with pride. "It sold for

best piece ever," Alex added smoothly, his gaze never wavering from me. There was something in the way his

and my heart pounded so loudly it felt like

leave now," I said,

or acknowledging Alex's lingering gaze,

my way down the hall, my heart thundering against my ribcage. The air felt too thick, suffocating, and I couldn't seem to shake

****

I asked, holding up a sleek, red dress against

even lift his eyes from his phone. "It's nice," he

back on the rack. "Can you pay attention to me at least once in this lifetime,

finally looked up, a bit annoyed but trying to mask it. "Sia, baby, you know I'm not good at this stuff," he said

my voice soft but firm. "I'm here to pick out a dress, and all you've done since

face gently. "Okay, I'm

might be

to melt me. "It won't

again."

s

again-He'd said that so many times before. A thousand

times, I knew it wouldn't stick. But

out a sigh and nodded, giving him the

I do? I loved

most beautiful, amazing, talented person I've ever met. And the best part? She doesn't need me or anyone else to tell her how sturning she looks in anything she Wears. No matter what she is wearing, wether sleeping, talking or eating,

the perfect dress.

laugh slipped

moment, it felt almost normal, like we were just another happy couple When we finally stepped outside, arms full of shopping bags, Ryatt patted his pockets and let out a frustrated

said, leaning in to kiss my cheek. "I'll grab them

quick. Wait here, okay?"

disappeared back into the shop. Alone now, I leaned

Then my phone buzzed.

bag, I frowned at the unknown number flashing on the screen.

text.

the better of

reading people, but I can't for

out why you're

back at me, cold and cutting. My eyes darted around the parking lot, scanning for any sign of the sender. But